Bali

Bali: Adventurous types

Bali Insider

Surf's up for both wave virgins and pros. (Photo: Paul Kennedy / Lonely Planet Images)

If you're an adrenaline junky, you'll love the adventurous options to be had in Bali. Our Insider shares the best thrills on offer.

Diving and snorkelling

Numerous diving and snorkelling spots border the island. Sanur, Tanjung Benoa and Lovina are for beginners; Amed, Tulamben and Menjangan (within Bali Barat National Park) offer isolated reefs; Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Penida across the Badung Strait contain rich marine life. Dive operators offer PADI certificates, but check that they have five-star PADI approval rating before booking in with anyone.

Walk the sea bed

No diving or swimming experience is required to marvel at the marine wonders of the ocean around Bali. Put on a helmet with a clear shield before walking for 15-minutes on the sea bed up to 8-metres under water. Packages from Marine Walk bring you to the waters of Lembongan island.

Surfing

Surf virgins and beginners can easily pick up the sport at Kuta and Legian beaches. More challenging breaks are found at Dreamland and Canggu beaches, while experienced surfers should check out breaks at Nusa Dua, and at Shipwrecks and Lacerations of Nusa Lembongan.

Stand Up Paddle Surfing

Unlike traditional surfing, this involves standing on a board with a paddle. Think paddling in a boat except that you are standing on a board. Surfing the waves is still possible, but this also allows you to surf on water anywhere, whether it is the pool or out in the open sea.

Mountain climbing

Experience sunrise atop Mount Agung, Bali's highest peak at about 3100m, which is a relatively easy climb of approximately three to six hours, or Mount Batukaru, the second highest peak at 2200m. They're best scaled from April through to October. For more thrills, hike up Mount Batur, an active volcano rising 1500m high with a large crater lake. Taking a guide is strongly recommended.

Bungee

If simply jumping off a 45m tower is boring, then execute some fancy leaps on a bicycle or motorbike at the only bungee jumping facility on Kuta Beach, operated by AJ Hackett. Or do a reverse bungee in the Bali Sling Shot (Jalan Kartika Plaza No 8X, Tuban; phone +62 361 758838), where you are hurtled 52m in to the sky while strapped in a chair within a capsule of metal bars.

Water rafting

My 77-year old mother-in-law has careened down 8km of the Ayung River in an inflatable raft and survived to tell the tale, so there is no excuse for anyone younger to not follow suit! The Telega Waja and Unda rivers offer equally exciting drops and impressive waterfalls. Check with Bali Adventure Tours for information on their packages.

Canyon tubing

Unlike water rafting, you go solo in a smaller inflatable raft through narrower streams and more challenging drops on this adrenaline experience. Offered by Bali Canyon Tubing, the journey through the Siap stream in Payangan also combines a flying fox trip and treads over wooden footpaths through parts of the canyon that are inaccessible on the raft.

Parasailing and paragliding

The best way to get a panoramic view of the beaches of Timbis, Sanur and Tanjung Benoa is from 100m in the air. Make sure your operator includes insurance! Exo-Fly is a reputable outfit with loads of experience doing Timbis Beach flights. April through to December is the best time to do it.

Quad & buggy biking

This will appeal to off-road junkies as you get to manoeuvre a 4WD motorbike or specially designed off-road car across some of the most picturesque rice fields, mountains and riverbanks in Bali. Tours by Bali Quad usually stop at a traditional house and bring you past several of the island's Hindu temples.

Paintball

This activity involves shooting paint pellets from air guns while running, and ducking from incoming paint pellets shot by opposing players. Not as simple as it sounds — dexterity, stamina and a good aim are essential if you really want to win. Paintball Bali's the place to go for more.

Treetop adventure

Try out your best Tarzan (or Jane!) as you navigate the circuits at Bali Treetop Adventure Park. Various challenge levels are at five, eight, 11 and 20 metres above ground. Thrills along the circuit are provided by various jumps, a flying fox and swings through the air.

Got any more adventure recommendations? Have your say using the comments form below.

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Adventure Surfing Diving Snorkelling Indonesia Propinsi Bali

User comments

This bicycle tour takes you far away from the regular tourist itinerary and off the beaten track into rural Bali where you will get to see the customs and age old traditions of the Balinese people. balihaitour.com

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